As a mom of two, a wife, a photographer, and a creative, I understand the delicate responsibility and privilege of creating memories for your family, all the while too often not being a part of those photos yourself, because you’re often the one behind the camera. Styling, capturing, and preserving images of my family is one of my passions and I get a certain satisfaction knowing that the perfect smiles of my babies will be preserved and cherished for a lifetime in the images that I share. Planning, preparing, styling, and framing family photos can be an arduous task. Let me guide you throughout the entire process and take away the stress, so you can enjoy your family photo shoot and love the results. Download my free “What to Wear” guide for tips on how to self style your family for your session, and download my free “Family Adventure Guide” to help plan your family photoshoot,  yield the best images and actually have fun throughout the process!

FAQ’s

1.    Is there a best time of day for family photos/portraits?  We are concerned about our kid’s nap schedule.

Absolutely. The best time for photos is 1-2 hours before sunset. Which means, in the autumn and winter season, this time will vary between 3:30-5PM. In the spring or summer, this ideal time is much later, from 6:30-8:30PM. Photos taken anytime between 10am-3pm yields the least desirable light because of the harsh shadows. On a very sunny day, this is challenging, so the later in the day we take most of the photos, the better. For overcast days, this rule is much less ridged. However, there are ways around this, such as choosing a location with mountains or a large tree line to soften the sun’s shadows. If you have young children, we can find a time that works well with their schedules. Let’s make it happen!

2. How long will the photoshoot take? My kids don’t last long in front of the camera.

I always aim for 30-45 minutes and I keep going until the end of the hour, if all the stars aligh. My goal is to give you the most high quality photos as possible, while still having fun and enjoying the process. However, we’ll work with your kid’s personalities and your expectations to make sure you get the photos you want and everyone is happy with the time commitment.

3. Do you offer adventure family sessions?

Absolutely, family adventure sessions are my favourite, and they are easier to plan than you’d think. Alberta has many vast landscapes to choose from, from Drumheller and the Badlands, to various locations in the Rocky Mountains, and let’s not forget the Bowden sunflower maze. Booking one of these locations for your family photoshoot creates beautiful memories and is a great way to get out of town for a few hours and enjoy nature. Download my free guide “Family Adventure Guide” to help you plan the entire trip!

4. wE don’t like posed photos, especially with the kids. how does this work?

Let me guide and direct you to make sure you have a combination of posed and natural looking shots. Even the photos that appear natural are slightly posed, so relax and play and connect with your kids in the photos. Those will yield the most natural looking photos and the best smiles.

 5. We want to hire you, what’s next?

A $200 deposit and a signed contract is needed to secure your booking. Once you’ve signed and payment is received, I will send you my “Adventure Family Guide” so you know exactly how to prepare for your session.

6. How many photos do we get in your package? Are there additional charges for downloading images?

A session with me includes all edited high resolution digital images, (between 40-60), a print release, and a private viewing gallery where you can order from my print shop, and images are delivered straight to your door.  But please note that all the digitals images are included in the price of your session, so there is no pressure to purchase any prints. 

7. Do you offer closet rentals?

Yes, I also offer styling for my female clients, and I offer 2 styling options. Please download my free guide “My Styling Packages” for more information. If you would prefer to style yourself, I also offer my “What to Wear Guide”, also free to download.

8. If I choose to rent from your “Client Closet” how do I make my selection?

Please refer to my “Styling Packages” for all the details!

9. Is your deposit non-refundable, even if we have to reschedule ?

Yes, your deposit is non-refundable. If you need to reschedule within 2 weeks of your session, the deposit is then forfeited, to respect everyone’s time. If you need to reschedule a session shortly after booking, the fee will be forfeited, as long as I have space in my schedule for the alternate date. Rescheduling must be within same calendar year. A new retainer will be made if the date change is made within 2 weeks before the original agreed upon date.

10. How long will it take to receive our gallery?

Your online gallery will be ready within 6 weeks. You’ll be able to send all your family and friends access and there is no charge for viewing or downloading images.

11. How do you deliver the photos?  

All photographs are shot in digital format and are made available on a private online gallery available for download. Photos will be delivered as high-resolution JPEG files in an online gallery.

12. What is it rains or snows?

Unpredictable weather is part of the job, unfortunately. I will check in with you 24-48 house before your session to confirm your location and the weather availability. All rescheduled sessions due to pour weather is out of the photographer’s control. Rest assured I will only reschedule if necessary.

13. What is my children don’t cooperate?

 This happens sometimes so it’s important to have realistic expectations about your photos. Have your children ever taken professional photos before? Do they love to pose for the camera? Do they enjoy being outside and playing with you and their siblings while responding to some simple cues? These questions are important to ask yourself before planning your photoshoot and imagining the results in your mind. However, I have always managed to photograph all my clients in a timely manner. Some clients get more photos that others, and that’s simply because some children open up a little more than others. I’m confident I can make it happen, especially if we work together and we plan a little surprise or reward post session.